Numbers 26 24

Numbers 26:24 kjv

Of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.

Numbers 26:24 nkjv

of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.

Numbers 26:24 niv

through Jashub, the Jashubite clan; through Shimron, the Shimronite clan.

Numbers 26:24 esv

of Jashub, the clan of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the clan of the Shimronites.

Numbers 26:24 nlt

The Jashubite clan, named after their ancestor Jashub.
The Shimronite clan, named after their ancestor Shimron.

Numbers 26 verses

Numbers 26 24 Meaning

Numbers 26:24 identifies three specific clans descended from Simeon's son Jamim, Jachin, and Zerah. This verse is part of the second census of Israel, which meticulously records the population of each tribe and its sub-clans. Its primary purpose is to account for every family group eligible for the impending division of the promised land and military service.

Numbers 26 24 Context

Numbers chapter 26 records the second census of the Israelites, conducted in the plains of Moab before their entry into Canaan. This census is crucial for several reasons: it serves to update the nation's military readiness, provide an accurate basis for the tribal land inheritance in Canaan (Num 26:52-56), and replace the generation that died in the wilderness (Num 26:63-65). It contrasts sharply with the first census in Numbers chapter 1, highlighting significant demographic changes, most notably the drastic decrease in Simeon's numbers (from 59,300 to 22,200), reflecting the divine judgment for their prominent role in the Baal Peor apostasy (Numbers 25). Verse 24 specifically focuses on three enduring subclans within the diminished tribe of Simeon, underscoring the preservation of specific family lines even amidst judgment and tribal decline. Historically and culturally, a detailed lineage was vital for identity, legal rights, and land claims within ancient Israel, reinforcing the meticulousness of God's care for His covenant people.

Numbers 26 24 Word analysis

• of Jamim: Hebrew: Yamin (יָמִין). A son of Simeon, also listed as Jamuel in Gen 46:10. The name itself can mean "right hand" or "south," though its primary significance here is identifying the direct ancestor of a clan.
• the clan of the Jamimites: Hebrew: mishpachath haYamini (מִשְׁפַּחַת הַיָּמִינִי).
  • mishpachah (מִשְׁפַּחַת): This fundamental Hebrew term refers to a "family," "clan," or "kindred group," a significant subdivision within a tribe. It implies shared lineage, land rights, and a collective identity vital for the socio-political and religious structure of Israel. The census counts by mishpachah, indicating a precise organization for inheritance and tribal responsibility.
  • -ites: The suffix signifies "descendants of" or "belonging to," clearly identifying the group's progenitor.
• of Jachin: Hebrew: Yakhin (יָכִין). Another son of Simeon, whose name means "he will establish." This individual is consistently listed as a son of Simeon in both Genesis 46:10 and 1 Chronicles 4:24.
• the clan of the Jachinites: Hebrew: mishpachath haYakhini (מִשְׁפַּחַת הַיָּכִינִי). As with Jamimites, this denotes the specific familial division originating from Jachin.
• of Zerah: Hebrew: Zerach (זֶרַח). A son of Simeon. Interestingly, Genesis 46:10 lists Simeon's son as "Zohar" (צֹחַר), while Numbers 26:24 and 1 Chronicles 4:24 list "Zerah." This is likely a textual variant, alternative spelling, or a commonly known variant name within the family records, rather than a different person. "Zerah" means "rising" or "dawning." This variation highlights the fluid nature of ancient genealogies in some minor details while maintaining the core lineage.
• the clan of the Zerahites: Hebrew: mishpachath haZarachi (מִשְׁפַּחַת הַזַּרְחִי). Signifies the clan descending from Zerah, demonstrating the continuation of this particular line.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "of [Name], the clan of the [Name]ites;": This repetitive and formulaic structure underscores the meticulous and systematic nature of the census. It's not just a headcount, but a precise accounting of lineage and tribal divisions. This emphasis on family units (clans) reflects their importance for land allocation, military recruitment, and upholding the covenantal structure of Israel. The consistent phrasing ensures clarity and prevents confusion, establishing the official record of each clan for future generations and inheritance purposes.

Numbers 26 24 Bonus section

• The striking decline of Simeon's tribe (from nearly 60,000 to just over 22,000, a ~63% decrease) is not explicitly stated in this verse but forms its critical backdrop within the chapter. This sharp reduction is understood as a consequence of their deep involvement in the sin with the Moabite women at Baal Peor (Num 25), highlighting divine judgment even within genealogies.
• Later in Israel's history, Simeon's inheritance was not a separate territory but was located within the larger tribal area of Judah (Joshua 19:1-9), a consequence possibly related to their diminished numbers and strength. The meticulous record-keeping in Numbers 26, down to specific clans, ensured that even this sub-inheritance could be justly distributed.
• The persistence of these names through different biblical books (Genesis, Numbers, 1 Chronicles) reinforces the reliability of biblical genealogies as records of real historical individuals and groups, demonstrating the detailed oversight God exercises over the lineage of His covenant people.

Numbers 26 24 Commentary

Numbers 26:24, while seemingly a simple list, carries significant theological and practical weight within the broader narrative. It functions as part of God's divine order, establishing a meticulous record of His people prior to their entry into the Promised Land. The enumeration of these specific Simeonite clans, even within a tribe that suffered a massive demographic reduction (the largest percentage loss among all tribes, due to the plague at Peor, which implicated many from Simeon), underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people despite their sins. It shows that even in judgment, certain lineages endured, retaining their identity and right to inheritance. This precise tribal breakdown allowed for an equitable, albeit scaled-down for Simeon, distribution of the land according to God's command. The continuity of these specific names—Jamim, Jachin, and Zerah (noting the Zohar/Zerah variation)—from Genesis to Numbers to Chronicles demonstrates the meticulous nature of the biblical record and God's persistent care for every branch of His chosen nation.